HASHISH' is the oriental name of the plant (or rather of the tops and tender parts of the plant) which is scientifically known as cannabis indica, and which we term Indian, hemp. The medicinal value of the preparations of Indian hemp is described in another article. See HNMr, INDIAN. It is the peculiar intoxication occasioned by the use of Hashish that will be now specially noticed.
Various preparations of the plant are employed for the purpose of producing the desired effect. A favorite mode of extracting its active principle is by boiling the tops and flowers with water, to which butter or oil has been added, evaporating, and thus forming an oleaginous solution or fatty extract. This fatty extract is frequently mixed with other substances which are reputed to possess aphrodisiac properties, and is taken in the form of electuary confection, or pastil: The majoon used at Calcutta, the mavouchari employed at Cairo, and the dawames or dawamese of the Arabs, are preparations of this kind.
Dr. Moreau of Tours, who has written an elaborate work on this subject (Du Hachisch, et de l' Alienation .Mentale, 1845), which is based not only on general observation but on personal experience, thus describes the fantasia, which is the term employed in the Levant to describe the excitement produced by this agent: "It is really happiness which is proauced by the hashish; and by this I imply an enjoyment entirely moral, and by no means sensual, as we might be induced to suppose. The hashish-eater is happy,
act like the gourmand or the famished man when satisfying his appetite, or the volup tuary in the gratification of his desires, but like him who hears tidings which fill him with joy, like the miser counting his treasures, the gambler who is successful at play, or me ambitious man who is intoxicated with success." (P. 54).
One of the first appreciable effects of the drug, is the gradual weakening of the power of controlling and directing the thoughts. Then comes the stage already de scribed; and accompanying, and in part following it, there are observed errors of sense. false convictions, and the predominance of one or more extravagant ideas. These ideas and convictions are generally not altogether of an imaginary character, but are sug gested by external impressions which are erroneously interpreted by the perceptive faculties. Finally, if the dose is sufficiently powerful, there is a complete withdrawal of the mind from external things.